National visa (type D). — "Map of Possibilities".
1. Basic requirements (Required):
- Passport: Only 10-year biometric passports (with a chip). As of January 1, 2026, other Russian passports will not be accepted.
- Residency: Your UAE Golden Visa must be valid for at least another 3-6 months.
- Education: Possession of a diploma of higher or professional education (at least 2 years of study).
- Language: English (level B2) OR German (level A1). An official certificate (IELTS/Goethe) is required.
- Finance: Need to show availability €13,092 (~52,500 AED) for a year. The Golden Visa allows you to show these funds in a UAE bank account.
2. Points system (Must score at least 6):
Points are calculated for the following criteria:
- Diploma: If it is recognized in Germany (4 points).
- Experience: 2 years in the last 5 years (2 points) or 5 years in the last 7 years (3 points).
- Age: Up to 35 years (2 points), from 35 to 40 years (1 point).
- Language (extra points): German level B1/B2 gives another 2-3 points.
- Connection with Germany: If you previously lived there for more than 6 months (1 point).
Why is this URGENT?
- VFS Global Slot: Appointments for national visas (Type D) in Dubai are booked weeks in advance. We need to secure a spot in line now.
- Security Check: For citizens of the Russian Federation, the processing time for documents may take from 4 to 12 weeks. If you want to be in Germany in the spring, you need to apply in the coming days.
- Passport deadline: In 2 days (January 1st) new biometric rules come into force.
What you need:
- Photo of the diploma (I'll check it on the German Anabin database).
- Your exact age.
- Language level confirmation (Do you have an IELTS certificate or equivalent?).
Once you send me a photo of your diploma, I'll be able to confirm whether you qualify based on your points and book your next slot at VFS Global Dubai.
From January 1, 2026 Germany only accepts documents with 10-year biometric passports.
If you have an old-style passport (valid for 5 years), you won't be able to apply for an annual visa until you receive a new one. However, if you have a 10-year passport with a chip, we can begin the process.
📅 General deadlines (Timeline)
| Stage | Waiting period |
| Appointment | from 2 to 8 weeks. There are currently huge queues in Dubai (VFS Global). Book your appointment today. |
| Processing | from 4 to 12 weeks. For Russian citizens, the Consulate conducts additional security checks that cannot be expedited. |
| Final deadline | On average 3-4 months from the moment you start collecting documents until you receive your passport and visa. |